2 comments:

Dan,That's a very good article. I actually had a similar thing happen to me. I went to my in-laws to try and save them some money on their cable bill by getting rid of their rented modem, and install a modem that my parents had just laying around. Well, after talking to customer service,billing,and tech support, I couldn't get them to recognize the modem (I think it was too old). I was joking with the customer service rep about giving my in-laws credit because they were nice people, and she actually did! She cut their bill down from $29.99/mo to 19.99/mo and extended the promotional period! Good service.

However, the story doesn't touch on one of the most important issues in saving money on your bill: Availablity of other competitors in your area. As Om Malik, from Giga OM, points out on his Blog, you have to be ready to walk away and go to a competitor. For many of our subscribers, they don't really have any other choice!

David - A great story! I recently had a similar experience in a Bloomington hotel. I happened to mention that the rate was lower the same time last year, and without blinking an eyelash, got last years rate!

Your point on the availability of a competitor is well taken, however many companies are prepared to lower rates, rather than take a chance of losing a customer in hard economic times. I guess the point is, it doesn't hurt to ask!

Who's writing this?

With over 20 years in the telecommunications business, I've worn many hats which (hopefully) gives me a unique perspective on technology and the industry. Now as a Trainer, I get to travel to some unique parts of this country, meet interesting people and sample some amazing regional barbecue!